SAILING:BOUWE BEKKING was triumphant in Singapore last night when he brought Spain's Telefonica Blue across the finishing line of the Volvo Ocean Race leg three in first place after a tough, nine-day march from India, reports David Branigan.

The leading four boats crossed the line within 20 minutes of Bekking, slightly ahead of schedule despite dire predictions early on in the stage that the crews would miss a timely finish for Christmas with their families. Overall race leader Torben Grael on Ericsson 4 was beaten to the podium by a mere 40 seconds by his stable-mate Anders Lewander in what is a boost for the Nordic crew.

After making up ground on the leaders last weekend, Ireland's Green Dragon was unable to close the gap and slipped to 80 miles behind yesterday while fighting for sixth place with Team Russia last night, and a slip to fifth overall after the leg seemed certain.

The Limerick-owned Team Delta Lloyd continued to make progress despite a seriously damaged keel and is expected to arrive today.